Reason Revealed for NJ Gov. Chris Christies Appeal to Republicans

Hint:  It’s Not His Positions on the Issues.

It is not secret that the Republican voters are not encouraged by their current roster of Presidential candidates.  In fact, as they become disenchanted with Texas Gov. Rick Perry they are taking a second look at second tier candidates like Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain.    And a lot of Republicans are casting a longing eye at the potential candidacy of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Perry Slumps in Polls, but Not to Romney’s Gain

The question of Mr. Christie’s appeal has always been an open one.  It is certainly not Mr. Christie’s position on many issues, as documented here.

Mr. Christie appointed to a superior-court judgeship this summer a Muslim lawyer who defended Muslims detained after the Sept. 11 attacks

Wow, Mr. Christie, unlike most Conservatives may actually believe that Constitutional stuff about freedom of religion and no religious test for public office.

He pursued only a handful of immigration cases during his nine years as U.S. attorney in New Jersey, and in 2008 he told a Latino group that "being in this country without proper documentation is not a crime."

Wow, you mean every person with a Latino name is not a criminal?  Not sure that will appeal to Conservatives.

His energy plan, released in June, calls for phasing out coal-fired power plants in the state. He has opposed oil drilling off New Jersey's coastline and imposed a one-year ban on a natural-gas-extraction technique known as "fracking" while experts study its effect on drinking water.

Well that’s not going to win the “Drill Baby Drill” voter.

Mr. Christie favors an array of gun-control measures—including a ban on assault weapons—that are opposed by the National Rifle Association.

No assault weapons, how will  Conservatives manage to kill Bambi?

Okay, everyone gets the picture.  So why is Mr. Christie an appealing candidate to Republicans?  Here is the answer.

Christie backers, such as billionaire John Catsimatidis, argue the governor's core appeal lies in his character and style, and less so in his individual positions

See, the fact that Mr. Christie’s style is one of abrasive bullying and refusing to work co-operatively with his opponents is what endears himself to his supporters.  For them it’s not enough to have some Conservative positions, you have to be mean and vindictive to really gain their support.